1993 Bassmaster Classic

No one could say this Classic was a humdrum affair

LAKE LOGAN MARTIN, Ala. — Even though the poundage was down from the previous Classic on the same lake, no one could say this Classic was a humdrum affair.

The standings changed every day, and especially in the final round, as David Fritts of Lexington, N.C., weighed in a three-day catch of 48 pounds, 6 ounces and became the 23rd Classic champion.

Most of Fritts' bass came in water less than 8 feet deep, but all were near deep water.

His primary weapons were five crankbaits, including Poe's 300 and 400 Series deep divers, a Poe's 400 Plus (which has weights), a modified 400 Plus (to dive even deeper), and a shallow running flat-sided crankbait made by a friend. All the Poe's lures were chartreuse and blue.

The secret of his success was not random casting, or simply trying to hit as many different places as possible.

Instead, it was precision casting to a special group of places he pinpointed with his depthfinder. These were usually inconspicuous things like individual rocks, logs or even tiny channel beds that are easily missed; rarely were his key targets as large as a boat.

Note: Video will open in Windows Media Player

Of note

• David Fritts is the last Classic rookie to win the championship.

• Fritts tried to avoid detection by the other pros during the Classic practice period by dressing unusually and fishing from a 1976 bass boat with a 50 h.p. outboard. The tactic didn't work. Several pros recognized him and even stopped on the water to say hello.